family health

A great sequel to the previous "Mother of All" Books. I have had the pleasure of hearing the author give a presentation recently and found her to be very knowledgeable, supportive and funny. I really appreciate the humorous, true anecdotes of many parents with toddlers throughout the book. This is the key comfort factor for me that grounds this book in reality...that I am not alone in sometimes being unsure of what to do and occasionally regretting what I chose to do. I am often doubting that I am a good enough mother compared to some of my friends and relatives. The warm, friendly tone of the author, a mother of 4 kids herself, is carried through her books and helps calm my anxiety. I also wish to highly recommend "The Pocket Parent" by two authors that are also knowledgeable, compassionate, "tell it like it is" mothers. This book addresses just four years of life...the challenging behavior issues of 2, 3, 4, and 5 year olds and offers hundreds of tips and true, short anecdotes on handling every annoying behavior you can think of. Both of these upbeat, well-written, quick-read reference books are designed to be read as you need them...each chapter complete on its own...both books equally helpful to moms and dads of toddlers.

THE MOTHER OF ALL TODDLER BOOKS picks up where the previous book in this series -- THE MOTHER OF ALL BABY BOOKS -- left off: at the start of the toddler years.

Author Ann Douglas takes the same approach she has taken with the other books in this series, interspersing quotes and stories from parents of toddlers with the latest research on what it takes to raise a happy, healthy child.

Chapters include

- Chapter 1: The Truth About Toddlers (the joys and challenges of raising a toddler, what the toddler years may be like for you and your child)

- Chapter 2: The Incredible Growing Toddler (why it's not a good idea to get too hung up on milestones, what to look for when you're trying to decide if your child's development is on track)

- Chapter 3: Fun and Games (arts and crafts, sensory play, music, dramatic play, excursions and outings, active play, math, science, reading, toys, toddlers and TV, toddlers and computers)

- Chapter 4: Who's the Boss (discipline do's and don'ts, your parenting style, your toddler's personality type, the art of co-parenting, temper tantrums and other difficult toddler behaviors, being a less-than-perfect parent)

- Chapter 5: The Maintenance Manual (baths, dental care, hair care, clothing, potty training)

- Chapter 6: What's for Dinner? (toddler appetites, picky eaters, nutrition basics, allergy alerts)

- Chapter 7: Will the Sandman Ever Come? (toddler sleep problems, naps, from crib to bed)

- Chapter 8: The Health Department (immunization, childhood illnesses, top health questions answered, coping with hospitalization)

- Chapter 9: The Safety Department (childproofing, safety on the road, grandparents and safety, first-aid essentials)

- Chapter 10: All in the Family (avoiding parent burnout, having another baby, adding a pet to the family, working outside the home, etc.)

- Appendices: glossary, directory of organizations, website directory, growth charts, recommended readings

If you enjoyed the previous books in this series, you'll enjoy this book, too. If you haven't discovered this series yet, you're in for a treat. This is a truly awesome guide to toddlers.

This is a great additon to the "Mother of" series. The no nonsense advice is written in a breezy style that busy parents will fine easy to absorb. Some of the funny "front line" stories will have you laughing and nodding in recognition of your own life. It's a great read!

by: Debbie Farmer, parenting auhtor of 'Don't Put Lipstick on the Cat!'